Philip Marlow is a fictional private detective created by author Raymond Chandler. He first appeared in the novel "The Big Sleep" published in 1939. Marlow is known for his sharp wit, moral complexity, and a keen sense of justice, often navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. Marlow's character embodies the archetype of the hard-boiled detective, characterized by a tough exterior and a deep sense of integrity. He frequently encounters corruption, crime, and femme fatales, making him a quintessential figure in the noir genre. His adventures have influenced many subsequent works in detective fiction.